Acts 10

There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

What does Acts 10:43 mean?

Explanation

Acts 10:43 discusses the theme of salvation and sets forth its universal availability through faith in Jesus Christ.

The verse states, "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." This implies that the message of the prophets throughout the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament) pointed forward to Christ and bore witness to Him.

It emphasizes that belief in Jesus is not just for a select group of people, but it offers forgiveness of sins to anyone (whosoever) who believes in Him.

This verse underscores two central Christian tenets: the universality of the offer of salvation and the forgiveness of sins through belief in Jesus Christ.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 10 is part of the New Testament and describes events taking place in the early Christian church, which was initially composed primarily of Jewish converts.

The verse is part of a significant event concerning the expansion of the Christian faith to the Gentiles, as represented by the Roman centurion Cornelius.

The Apostle Peter, a Jew, has received a vision that led him to understand that the gospel is not confined to Jews but is available to all.

This chapter represents a pivotal shift from Christianity being seen as a sect within Judaism to a global faith.

Theological Insights

In theological terms, this verse supports the doctrine of Sola Fide, meaning faith alone, which became a hallmark of Protestant Reformation theology. It posits that forgiveness is obtained through faith in Christ, not by works or religious rituals.

From a Catholic perspective, faith is integral to salvation but must be lived out through the church's sacraments and good works. Eastern Orthodox theology emphasizes theosis (union with God), seeing faith and works as interconnected in the path to salvation.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be interpreted as an encouragement to trust in the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Believers can take comfort in the idea that their sins are forgiven through their belief.

It also encourages inclusivity and outreach, as it announces that the message of salvation is meant for all, without distinctions of race, nationality, or social status.

Cross-References

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Isaiah 53:11: "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities."
Romans 10:11: "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Hebrews 11:39: "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek include:

"μαρτυρέω" (martureō): to bear witness or testify.
"ὄνομα" (onoma): name, but often used to signify the authority or character of someone.
"πιστεύω" (pisteuō): to believe, indicating faith or trust.
"ἄφεσις" (aphesis): remission or forgiveness, in this context, the release from the bondage of sin.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of sacrificial atonement for sins is not exclusive to Christianity and has parallels in various ancient religions. For instance, in Judaism, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) involved the sacrifice of animals to atone for the sins of the people.

Many pagan religions also had practices involving sacrifices to appease gods and seek forgiveness for transgressions.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings as the concepts of sin, faith, and spiritual forgiveness fall outside the purview of empirical science. Science deals with the material world and generally does not address metaphysical or spiritual claims.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 10:43 provide diverse insights:

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes the broad reach of Christ's invitation to salvation, not confined to nationality or past religiosity.
John Gill's Exposition of the Bible points to the consistent message of the prophets in the Old Testament foretelling the coming Messiah.
The Expositor's Greek Testament highlights the simplicity of the message Peter conveyed and its radical inclusivity.
The Pulpit Commentary underscores the apostolic authority of the witness to Christ's role in salvation.

Acts 10

Acts 10

What does Acts 10:43 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 10:43 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?